Antiquing/Oxidizing/Patining of metals traditionally occurred in nature utilizing oxygen in the air, moisture from rain and/or dew, and temperature. If you leave steel outside, it will oxidize to rust. If you leave copper or a copper alloy outside, it goes through the various patina colors - structural bronze, flemish brown, light brown, chocolate brown/black to verdi green color in 5-8 years.
To achieve an instantaneous antiqued finish, there are products on the market help you achieve a finish in a few minutes. There are polysulfide chemistries which have problems of bath life and inconsistent colors.
Hot alkaline caustic oxidizing baths produce a hard finish, but lack a variety of color (Ultra Blak 420). Copper-Selenium products have been used for over 40 years because of the consistent color and ease of use (B/Ox 311-315). Today, research has started on non-selenium antiquing processes as well, with some initial success (B/Ox 322). An instant verdi-green color can be achieved with B/Ox 316 GEL.
The Steps To Antiquing:
1. Select the alloy of metal
2. Finish the metal - polish, scotch brite, vibratory finish
3. Cleaning/Deoxidizing Metal
a.) Type of Alkaline Cleaner
b.) Type of Acid/Deoxidizer
4. Antiquing/Oxidizing Agent
5. Drying & Highlighting the oxidized part
a.) Hot Water 100º C
I.) Scotch Brite Pad
II.) Wire Brush Wheel
III.) Polishing Wheel
IV.) Corn Cob
V.) Pencil Erasers
6. Lacquer - Most important step - lacquers have different color resins and different glosses